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White grunt facts for kids

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White grunt
White Grunt (5658507044).jpg
Scientific classification
Genus:
Haemulon
Species:
plumierii
Synonyms
  • Labrus plumierii Lacépède, 1801
  • Haemulon plumieri (Lacépède, 1801)

The white grunt, also known as the common grunt, is a cool type of fish found in the western Atlantic Ocean. Its scientific name is Haemulon plumierii. This fish belongs to the Haemulidae family, which is often called the "grunt family" because of the sounds they make!

White grunts can grow to about 30 cm (12 in) long. They are usually a shiny, silvery-cream color. They have pretty yellow and blue stripes running along their bodies. What's neat is that they can change their color a bit to blend in with their surroundings! White grunts are related to the blue striped grunt and the French grunt. They often swim together in groups with these other grunt species.

These fish eat small ocean creatures like shrimp, crabs, worms, and clams. But they also need to watch out! Bigger fish-eating animals, like barracuda and sharks, like to eat white grunts. People sometimes catch white grunts for fun, and their white meat is tasty to eat. They are also popular fish for home aquariums because of their bright colors.

Where Do White Grunts Live?

The white grunt lives in the Western Atlantic Ocean. You can find them from Chesapeake Bay all the way down through the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico to Brazil. They love to hang out near different structures in the water. This includes mangrove trees, coral reefs, and even docks.

These fish usually live in water that is not too deep, from the surface down to about 30 meters (about 100 feet). This is similar to where their relatives, like the blue striped grunt, also live.

Why Are They Called Grunts?

The white grunt gets its name from the "grunting" sound it makes. This sound happens when the fish grinds its pharyngeal teeth (teeth in its throat) together. They usually make this noise when they are scared or in danger, like when a fisherman catches them.

What Does a White Grunt Look Like?

White grunts have a silvery-cream body with many yellow and blue stripes. Their head is long, and they have a clear snout. They have fins that look like sickles (curved blades) and a tail that is forked, like a letter "V".

They also have sharp spines on their back fin. Unlike some other fish, like groupers, grunts have a strong lower jaw that doesn't move much. Most white grunts are about six inches to over a foot long. Some have even been seen reaching over 20 inches and weighing more than 15 pounds! Remember, they can change their color to match their surroundings, becoming lighter or darker.

What Do White Grunts Eat?

White grunts mostly eat shrimp. But they also enjoy other small creatures. Their diet includes different kinds of worms, crabs, and clams. They are not picky eaters and will often eat whatever food they can find. This is why fishermen can catch them using many different kinds of bait.

Who Eats White Grunts?

White grunts are a common food source for larger fish that eat other fish. Because they swim in big groups, they are easy targets for predators. Big fish like barracuda and sharks often hunt them. Other fish that eat other fish, such as groupers and snappers, also enjoy eating white grunts.

How Do Humans Use White Grunts?

White grunts are not a huge commercial fish, meaning they are not caught in very large numbers for sale. However, they are quite popular for recreational fishing. Kids and people new to fishing often enjoy catching them because they are easy to hook. Even experienced fishermen like them!

Their meat is white and cooks well, so many people catch them to eat. There's even a traditional dish in Florida called "Grits and Grunts" that uses this fish. White grunts are also sometimes used as bait to catch even bigger fish.

Besides being caught for food or bait, white grunts are also valued as aquarium fish. Their bright colors make them a beautiful addition to home tanks.

See also

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